Sunday, June 4, 2017

My experience using CBD oil for chronic pain and anxiety

Disclaimer: I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

Having
lived with chronic pain for over 15 years due to a neurological movement
disorder called dystonia,
I am always looking for ways to better manage my symptoms. My symptoms not only include pain, but involuntary muscle spasms/contractions, overall muscle tightness,
restricted head/neck movement, and a racing mind.

While
I have taken medications for some of these symptoms, I prefer a more natural
approach, so diet, exercise, supplements, and stress free living are very important
to me. Something I have not tried until recently is CBD oil. The more I hear
about the success people are having for things such as neurological
disorders, multiple sclerosis, cancer, inflammation, pain, muscle
spasticity, arthritis, depression, anxiety, seizures, and many other conditions,
the more it intrigues me. My main reasons for trying it are pain, muscle
relaxation, and mental calmness.CBD stands for cannabidiol, the non-addictive compound found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant, often known as hemp. CBD has a wide range of medical benefits, a few of which were mentioned above. Of special interest to many of my readers with neurological conditions, CBD studies are showing that it may have a neuroprotective effect. The other well-known compound in cannabis is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the principal psychoactive, potentially addictive element. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a “high.” While this makes CBD a poor choice for recreational users, it makes it an appealing option for patients like me looking for relief without the high or addiction.As
a member of Chronic Illness Bloggers, a network of bloggers focused on chronic
illness, I was selected to try a CBD product called Liberty Lixir Ultra
by a company called Liberty Lotion. It is a spray that you put under your tongue (they also have a dropper bottle if you prefer). The product
I tested has a strength of 1000 mg, and each spray pump has 6.7 mg of CBD. I
used anywhere between 3 and 6 pumps per day (~ 20-40 mg/CBD a day), over the
course of a month.

I had no issues with how to take it, determining how much I was taking, deciding how much to take to get my desired results, or any feelings of dependency.

In
that short amount of time, my pain decreased roughly 25-50%, I am more active, my
recovery time from activities has been faster, and my mind is calmer. I don’t
feel as rushed or hurried all the time. I usually sleep pretty well, but the
CBD seems to have increased the speed I fall asleep. Interestingly,
I never took it before bed. I only took it once a day and always midday. I
also experienced a slight decrease in appetite, which might be of special
interest to those who are interested in losing/maintaining weight.The best way
to describe how I feel is a general overall sense of wellness with greater
peace of mind. I feel more grounded. My moods never really fluctuated much at
all, but I feel more mentally stable and in better control. All the changes are subtle, but
noticeable in a very natural way, which is how anything natural, versus
synthetic, should feel.I
certainly can’t promise that you will experience any of the positive things I
have, but if you are curious about CBD and are interested in a quality product
at a good price, consider Liberty Lixir Ultra. Their website contains a lot of valuable information about CBD and studies on its use
for many conditions. Customer service has also been very knowledgeable. I plan to continue taking it for as long as I get positive results.

Click
here or
any of the links in the blog and it will take you to the Liberty Lotion website.
If you decide to get this product, follow the links
in this blog and use the coupon code “Liberty17” for a 10% discount. Good luck
and please share your experience with me after you begin using it. Thanks!

I really enjoyed your article. I've only recently (maybe 5-6 mos) began reading and researching CBD for my own personal issues as well as a friend of mine and my mind is blown. What caught my attention, is that she has been having symptoms like the ones you described but she can't get relief from anything. We have tried multiple CBD Oils and I have had some relief for my anxiety etc, but it is not helping with her bodily pain and movement issues at all. I'm going to have her look into this CBD oil and try to buy some and see if it works for her. At this point she isn't getting anywhere with the doctors she has seen and has no diagnosis so we are just trying to find an alternative to help with the pain. I am going to have her read about dystonia too.

Hi Alana. Thank you for your message. I am really glad to hear you enjoyed the article. I don't know if CBD is for everyone, but what I am pretty sure about is finding the right one that fits us best, which takes some shopping around as you have clearly experienced. I hope if you try this one it helps. Perhaps some of the topical CBDs might be of help to your friend. Check out this piece of technology also. It is called Zyto. My acupuncturist has it. Here is the link to her site, but I would also Google it for more information besides this. http://camclinic.com/services/#zyto-technology. It will not diagnose someone, but it can uncover some reasons for a person's symptoms. IF it looks like something worth trying, hopefully some practitioner in her area has one she can use. Thanks again. My best to you and your friend!

I have heard different answers to this question. Some say it can and some say it can't, and that it usually depends on the type of CBD. In this one that I tried, it is an isolate CBD which means no THC and will not be detected in a blood test. However, I cannot guarantee this. It would be wise to check with the company to get their more educated answer, and to be sure if you are taking any CBD product that you let the authorities know (police, pain management docs, employers, etc.) that you are taking it. Some products are full spectrum CBD which means they have a little THC which could be detected in a blood test.

If the product is hemp-derived, passing a drug test will not be an issue. However, if you are consuming CBD derived from cannabis, where they have to remove the THC, there is a very good chance some THC still remains in the oil.

Thanks Trey. I noticed an overall relaxation in muscle activity. I don't really have spasms anymore unless I overexert myself or do certain movements. When taking this product, I found I could do more, and do more comfortably, for longer periods of time.

I am writing this because I have been diagnosed with cervical dystonia that started with tremors, evolved to torticolis and with hundreds of painful injections of botulism around my neck (bad side effects) at a school of Medicine for movement disorderes. After years and hundreds of shots the torticolis finally allowed me to achieve relief from the torticolis, but I still suffer from the tremors and spasms. Also I have now been diagnosed with glaucoma which I have read can be helped by taking cbd oil. I have not checked with a professional about trying cbd oil....but it would be a God send if I could get some much needed relief. Nobody can possibly imagine the pain and suffering that goes with this condition unless they have also experienced it. Any ideas for me?

Dear Anonymous, I agree that no one can know what the pain is like who has never experienced it, and it sounds like you have really experienced a lot. I am happy to hear that you are able to get some relief with Botox. I think CBD is worth a try as well if you feel comfortable taking it. As you read from my review of this product, it helped me with a couple different issues. While we are of course all different in how we respond to things, CBD has been shown to be helpful for many other things besides dystonia, glaucoma being one of them. Please let me know how it helps if you decide to try it.

Hey Tom I was diagnosed about four years ago with cranial dystonia. I started off taking the Botox shots but at $2,100 every 3 months it's almost impossible to afford that. Applied for my disability but been turned down twice. I'm just wondering if this stuff really works. With this dystonia it seems like I can't hardly sleep at night and I'm constantly having to lay down to relax my neck and it is very painful you're correct about that.

Sorry to hear about your constant pain. I hope you don't give up the disability process and eventually get approved and it will cover your Botox. I know what it is like to have to lay down all the time. I was like that for years. I can't say for sure if CBD will help. It may or may not, as each of us as are different. The only way to know is to try it, and if this one does not help, experiment with a few brands. For some people it doesn't help and for others it has amazing benefits, and of course everywhere in between. Of the different brands I have tried, this one seems to help most with my pain. I hope you have success with it if your try it.

From Derek Gifford U.K.Hi Tom,I enjoy your articles. I have had cervical dystonia for over 40 years so try a lot of different approaches to manage the condition. After 20 years of successful botox injections they no longer seem to be as effective.I have found that regular stretching exercises, playing sport, Alexander Technique, EFT tapping, and meditation can all help.I also find open focus brain training techniques as developed by Dr Les Femi in his book The Open Focus Brain helpful in reducing tension and pain.The way we pay attention to life our body sensations and thoughts seem very relevant to managing dystonia. Most recently I am also experimenting with supplements. I find cbd oil and l theanine help with relaxation.Also phenibut but it needs to be used carefully due withdrawal side effects from over use.I think mindfulness and focusing attention on whole body important to reduce power of muscle spasm loop of tension and anxiety. There seems to be no magic bullet for dystonia.This work in progress seems to need a holistic approach and a positive outlook on life, being kind to ourselves with acceptance but living as active a life as possible and focusing on things which bring us joy and approaches which work for the individual. But if anyone finds that magic bullet happy to take it!!Best Wishes to you and all others who have this strange and annoying life companion to live with!Derek

Hi Derek,Thank you very much for your message. I agree wit everything you said. People often ask me what helps most and I don't know how to answer because I do so many things. I believe a comprehensive approach using many things is often the best way to approach this and any other health condition. Not too many people I know are able to successfully manage their symptom with one treatment/therapy approach. Best wishes to you as well and thank you for your very thoughtful and insightful message.

Hi, I've been doing research on CBD oil for my son who suffers with PNKD (Hemi-Dystonia) since 2014. After some years on medication, we discovered that caffeine is a major trigger for his cramping episodes. When we totally eliminated all forms of caffeine, we were able to get him off all medications, and he went six months with no episodes. He has been away at college this past year, and although not ingesting caffeine, has been having cramping again. We didn't realize he was as he's not always forthcoming with this information. He's been home for the summer since the first of May and has probably had six or more episodes. Now we are wondering if it is stress or fatigue related or what. We have an appointment with his neurologist in August, and I'm going to ask her about CBD oil. He doesn't drink alcohol which is another trigger on the list. Not sure what is happening, but we'd rather try something like the CBD oil than putting him back on Trilleptal or Diazapam. He is 19 and this started for him at 14. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi, I sooo enjoyed your article, that I have to tell you or actually ask you a question: I have been diagnosed with Oromandublar Dystonia, and I have it on my jaw muscles, where I can't open my jaw more than 1 finger width. I am searching for a cbd oil to rub on the outside of my cheeks of my jaw, maybe, just maybe, it will relax those muscles. I started the Botox injections 10/23/18, and it's been 7 days, and I want to try other things to help the situation. Can you point me in the right cbd direction?

You can try the topical from Liberty Lotion. The other I have used is a product called Invigorate from a company called Resonant Botanicals: http://resonantbotanicals.com/?wpam_id=7 - Use coupon code RELIEF for 10% off and free shipping.

Hey! I'm so happy to hear you have relief from you symptoms. Recently, my partner has been having worsening dystonia, which started in their eyes, and over the past week has moved into their whole body. We are looking for help so much. Doctors dont seem to take much notice, and wont prescribe them anything, just give them at the te help, per say, at the hospital for their problems. We have started them on the oil, but it was at a very low dose, but it lasted only for a short time, so now we are trying the gummies, as we have heard they last longer. Is there a certain mg that you took to help with your symptoms?Thank you so much!

I have experimented with different amounts and different brands, which would be my suggestion. I am sorry your partner is having a worsening of symptoms. I have a video that might offer some help- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6wBgegaEos

Hi, Tom. Now that marijuana is legal in Michigan, I'm seriously considering trying some cannabis products. I'm not open to smoking it, however. Has your opinion changed regarding this product? Is there something better out there you would recommend I try first? Thanks.

Hey Adam. I think that sound like a good idea. I never really had a negative feeling towards it. I think my mentioning of it in my book, or elsewhere (I forget where) was that I had a few bad experiences with smoking it a couple times when I was younger. I am all for it if it is legal and used responsibly. Regarding Liberty Lotion products, I like them and use them off and on. My first 2 months using it were more effective than subsequent months. Of all the CBD proucts of I have tried, I liked theirs the best.

About Me

Tom Seaman is author of the book, Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey, and a Certified Professional Life/Health Coach. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology, after which he pursued private business ventures in health education. While pursuing his Master’s degree in Counseling he developed a painful movement disorder called dystonia. After numerous ineffective treatments and years of physical and mental trauma, Tom learned and applied a combination of techniques that greatly improved his quality of life. Tom is now dedicated to helping others with dystonia and other chronic conditions live a higher quality of life.
www.tomseamancoaching.com